Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment inchildren with recurrent tonsillitis

ABSTRACT

Objective: The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated onchildren with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized,double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo.Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of astandard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment.Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year.Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 didnot present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children whoreceived placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statisticallysignificant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions:Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared toplacebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatmentwas not associated with adverse events. (AU)